Year retrospective · 1940s
1942 (MCMXLII) was a common year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar, the 1942nd year of the Common Era (CE) and Anno Domini (AD) designations, the 942nd year of the 2nd millennium, the 42nd year of the 20th century, and the 3rd year of the 1940s decade.
Recorded events
10
top entries
Notable births
24
Notable deaths
30
Decade
1940s
Defining moment · 1942
The island of Malta was a British colony from 1813 to 1964 and the George Cross was awarded to the island in April 1942 by King George VI. The cross was awarded in recognition of Maltese resilience during the Siege of Malta by Italy and Germany in the early part of World War II. The George Cross was incorporated into the flag of Malta beginning in 1943 and remains on the current design of the flag.
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1942 award by King George VI to the people of Malta
The island of Malta was a British colony from 1813 to 1964 and the George Cross was awarded to the island in April 1942 by King George VI. The cross was awarded in recognition of Maltese resilience during the Siege of Malta by Italy and Germany in the early part of World War II. The George Cross was incorporated into the flag of Malta beginning in 1943 and remains on the current design of the flag.
Military term for a captive of the enemy
A prisoner of war (POW) is a person held captive by a belligerent power during or immediately after an armed conflict. The earliest recorded usage of the phrase "prisoner of war" dates back to 1610.
1939–1945 global conflict
World War II, or the Second World War, was a global conflict between two coalitions: the Allies and the Axis powers. Nearly all of the world's countries participated. Tanks and aircraft played major roles, the latter enabling the strategic bombing of cities and delivery of the only nuclear weapons used in war.
French politician (1883–1945)
Pierre Jean Marie Laval was a French politician. He served as Prime Minister of France three times: 1931–1932 and 1935–1936 during the Third Republic, and 1942–1944 during Vichy France. After the war, Laval was tried as a Nazi collaborator and executed for treason.
1939–1945 global conflict
World War II, or the Second World War, was a global conflict between two coalitions: the Allies and the Axis powers. Nearly all of the world's countries participated. Tanks and aircraft played major roles, the latter enabling the strategic bombing of cities and delivery of the only nuclear weapons used in war.
German air raids on British cities during World War II
The Baedeker Blitz or Baedeker raids was a series of bombing raids by the Luftwaffe on the United Kingdom during World War II in April and May 1942. Towns and cities in England were targeted for their cultural value as part of a demoralisation campaign.
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